INDIANAPOLIS -- Target Chip Ganassi Racing owner Chip Ganassi
today confirmed that 1996 CART champ Jimmy Vasser will not race for Team
Target in 2001.
Vasser, who began Team Target's streak of four consecutive CART
titles, has notched eight victories and seven pole positions since joining
the team in 1995.
"Jimmy is one of the main reasons for Target Racing's success over
the years," Ganassi said. "I value what he has brought to this team and the
impact he has made, and more importantly, I value his friendship. It's an
unfortunate part of our business that friends have to deal with each other
in this environment. I've been proud to have Jimmy on the team for the past
six years."
Vasser made his CART debut in 1992, driving for Hayhoe Racing. He
claimed four wins and four poles en route to his championship in 1996.
"Chip said he wants to make a change, and he thinks that change would be
good for both the team and me," Vasser said. "I tend to agree. We have a lot
of history together and maybe things have gotten a little stale. It should
be an amicable divorce. The timing gives me the opportunity to see what
options are available for next season and in the future."